What height boots do you prefer?

Glenn MacGrady said:

That makes some sense to me, and if so-called barefoot or zero-drop boots solve pain or balance issues for someone, go for it.

However, it seems to me that many normal boots have no or only trivial heel lift. For example, look at the Muck boots Robin pictured above. The heel and sole seem about at the same level. Looking at my Irish Setters, the lugged sole elevates the entire boot but only lifts the heel fractionally above the sole. By the way, these boots shocked me with their comfort. I expected a stiff and bumpy ride out of the box, but they are as cushioned and pillowy as any casual or running shoe I've owned.

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I very much have gone for it. I'm glad you've found a pair of boots that suit you.
I've owned several pairs of Mucks, LaCrosse, etc (we call them 'moon boots') and find them utterly miserable to walk in for any distance over maybe a quarter of a mile. If I could find a comfortable pair I'd love to have thme.
I think you'd have to look at the actual footbed inside to see what if any heel lift that particular boot has, but who knows, it may be close to a zero-drop.

MyKneesHurt said:

I've owned several pairs of Mucks, LaCrosse, etc (we call them 'moon boots') and find them utterly miserable to walk in for any distance over maybe a quarter of a mile.

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I've been using a pair of Muck Arctic Pro boots for many years and like the boot a lot. I used to wear them for winter forestry work and would walk for miles through snow in steep terrain and they did well. Not as stable as the lace up Grizzly leather pac boots I had but the Muck's were much lighter, which I liked. And the Muck's make a good snowshoe boot. I use them with MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. I agree with you about certain other brand models but the Muck Arctic Pros seem to fit me just right.

hmmm ?!

I think something like this

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Well, no offense but, from the pictures of you that I've seen, they look great on her but I doubt that you have the legs for it. You're welcome to post pictures and prove me wrong.

MyKneesHurt said:

I've owned several pairs of Mucks, LaCrosse, etc (we call them 'moon boots') and find them utterly miserable to walk in for any distance over maybe a quarter of a mile

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Well that may be your experience but I doubt if Glenn will be doing any half mile portages, Mucks are used by many in construction and farming daily.

My wife and I use Mucks for muddy and cold weather riding in the UTV. I've never tried walking in them for miles, but we both find them comfortable and warm to wear all day and for shorter (1/4 mile or so) walks. I personally wouldn't use them in the canoe because I kneel and I don't think they'd have the flexibility. If the weather doesn't call for barefoot or thin sandals I prefer minimalist hiking shoes or trail runners. I like Altra Lone Peaks either in low cut non-waterproof or ankle height waterproof. I like Lone Peaks because they have a wide toe box and I hate having my toes pinched the way most trail shoes do.

@ErktheRed - Wow...sorry I missed your post. As to my mukluks, I'm on my second pair since I wore through my initial set. I love the lack of weight on my feet and the ability to stay warm in truly cold conditions. One of the reasons I wore out my first pair is because I'd use them for everything. I snowshoed in them and even wore them with universal bindings on my Hok skis. I sewed holes in the canvas that developed over time more than once. I still pull out my old pair from time to time when conditions aren't optimal; saving my new pair for the deep cold, dry snow days we still get from time to time.

Bottom line, they were definitely worth the investment; which is why I finally broke down and got new ones when it became necessary.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper

Robin said:

Well that may be your experience but I doubt if Glenn will be doing any half mile portages, Mucks are used by many in construction and farming daily.

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I know. I live on a farm, and I've worked construction most of my life. I've never seen anyone on a jobsite with Mucks.

In general I prefer a mid-height boot that offers some ankle support. I like the added insurance against a twisted ankle.

For paddling, portaging, tripping I wear the Astral Rassler 2.0 water shoe and love them. Not necessarily boots, but they feel more stout than shoes, have great grip, drain well, and offer ankle support.


For everyday wear, long walks, hiking in the woods I wear Oboz Bridger mid waterproofs. These are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. I’m on my second pair. I bought a pair for my father in law and he swears by them and wears them every day.


For cold winter days walking in the snow, ice fishing, or hunting, I were the Muck Arctic boots.

I was sleepy and misread the title. What height boobs do you prefer? It reminded me of when my
Dad asked my Mom near the end of her life what her bra size was. He wanted to buy her a sweater.
Her reply was "38 long." We all got a laugh out of that one.

Like Robin I've been a fan of Redwing 606 boots. I've never felt the need to go higher than that (6"). In very deep snow I simply slap on a pair of gaiters.

Otherwise I prefer a low cut shoe, preferably in plain leather. Like @MyKneesHurt I've started using zero drop shoes and have grown fond of them. I haven't worn my Redwing 606 boots in over a year (last winter was extremely mild) and I just started wearing them again last week. I was startled how tall the heels felt and because of that I'm finding them a bit uncomfortable. I might have to try those Jim Green boots he mentioned. How is the traction on snow and ice?

Alan

Alan Gage said:

How is the traction on snow and ice?

Alan

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I regret to say I don't know yet - it was 65 degrees in Virginia yesterday. They are definitely not cold-weather boots, though.
When I lived in Maine I was never without a pair of slip-on traction aids - YakTrax or Kahtoolas. At the risk of too much thread drift, the Kahtoola microspikes are amazing, I've done trips to the desert southwest in January and they were indispensable on icy rock and packed snow.

For shoulder season I usually wear the 10" LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoes or Hunter Tall rain boots (15"?). Ten inches I find is just enough to let me step out of the canoe onto shore without leaving any paint on the rocks. The rubber in both boots stays very soft around the freezing point. If it's hot and I don't mind wet footing I just wear a pair or Columbia Drain Makers or New Balance minimus trail runners.

Winter boots I love the Sorrel 1964 Pac boots or just lined ruber boots, whatever brand is on sale at the hardware store this year.